With the second advance payments, BP estimates it will have spent about 84 million dollars in compensation for loss of income or net profit since the beginning of the disaster.

Energy giant BP said on Friday it will be sending this month a second payment to individuals and businesses who have sustained damages as a result of an oil spill.

With the second advance payments, BP estimates it will have spent about 84 million dollars in compensation for loss of income or net profit since the beginning of the disaster.

An estimated 20 million gallons of crude has poured into the Gulf of Mexico since an April 20 explosion tore through the BP-leased Deepwater Horizon rig, 50 miles (80 kilometres) off Louisiana.

Eleven workers were killed in the blast.

"We deeply regret the impact the oil spill has had on individuals and businesses, and understand the need for quick and reasonable compensation," said Doug Suttles, the BP chief operating officer. "We hope these payments will assist individuals, businesses and the communities impacted."

About 14,000 individuals and businesses in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida have received an initial advance payment for loss of income or net profit to date.